Never Not You

Birthday

As the first rays of dawn barely filtered through the curtains, Leah slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Aurora. She reached for the baby monitor on the bedside table and crept toward the door, glancing back to ensure Aurora was still sound asleep. She smiled softly at her partner, still nestled under the covers, and made her way to where Mateo, almost three months old, lay in his crib, stirring slightly but not yet fully awake.

Leah gently scooped him up, his tiny body warm and comforting against her chest. She whispered soothing words to him, hoping he'd stay calm for a bit longer as she ventured downstairs into the kitchen. Her goal was simple yet ambitious: to surprise Aurora with breakfast in bed for her birthday. Leah placed Mateo in his bouncer, hoping he'd be entertained while she cooked. She set to work, cracking eggs and measuring out flour, but things quickly went awry. In her haste, she knocked over a bag of flour, sending a white cloud into the air that settled everywhere. The eggs she cracked ended up more on the counter than in the bowl, and the bacon she attempted to fry sputtered and burned, leaving them completely inedible.

Frustration mounting, Leah finally gave up on the idea of a homemade breakfast. She wiped the flour from her face and glanced at Mateo, who was now awake and watching her with wide, curious eyes. Leah sighed and grabbed some fresh fruit and the store-bought pancakes from the fridge. She arranged them neatly on a tray, added a small vase with a single flower, and took a deep breath. Not exactly gourmet, but it would have to do.

Quietly, Leah tiptoed back upstairs, balancing the tray in one hand. Aurora was still asleep, her breathing soft and even. Leah placed the tray on the bedside table and then rushed back downstairs, her heart racing slightly, to retrieve Mateo.

This time, Mateo was fully awake, his tiny legs kicking energetically. He had managed to lift his head a few times, a new and exciting development. Leah smiled broadly, lifting him from the bouncer. "Good morning, baby boy," she cooed, covering his face in light kisses. Mateo squealed in delight, his small hands reaching out to grasp her cheeks, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

Holding him close, Leah climbed the stairs again, making her way to the still asleep Aurora. She entered the bedroom and gently placed Mateo on the bed next to Aurora. The baby wriggled and squirmed, his head bobbing uncertainly as he tried to lift it again. Inevitably, he face-planted into Aurora's cheek, making her stir with a slight groan.

"Ow," Aurora murmured, opening her eyes just in time to see Mateo's face plant her cheek again. Leah burst into laughter.

"Shut up," Aurora said with a playful smirk, turning to Leah. She sat up with Mateo and cooed, "Morning, mi pequeño amor," covering his face with kisses. Mateo squealed and wrapped his tiny fingers around one of hers.

Aurora wiped her slobbery cheeks and looked at Leah, her eyes sparkling. "Morning, baby."

Leah smiled warmly. "Happy birthday, mummy."

Aurora's smile widened as she noticed the tray of food Leah had picked up. "You made breakfast?"

Leah laughed. "Well, I attempted to make breakfast. But the kitchen didn't cooperate, so we have fruit and store-bought pancakes instead."

Aurora chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's perfect."

Leah sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the tray. "Let me feed you your breakfast in bed," she said, her tone gentle and loving.

Aurora leaned back against the pillows, Mateo snuggled in her arms. Leah carefully fed her bites of fruit and pancakes, occasionally leaning in to give her a kiss. Aurora's eyes sparkled with happiness and love, savouring not just the food but the beautiful effort Leah had made.